Stonington residents vote to spend $1.2 million to fix school roof

Stonington — About 50 residents vote unanimously at Tuesday night's town meeting to spend $1.2 million to fix the leaky roof at Deans Mill School.

Approving the expenditure will not increase the current budget or tax rate, as the money will be taken from the town's $11.7 million undesignated fund balance, which is designed to help the town deal with emergencies. The state is expected to reimburse the town for 32 percent of the cost.

Bill King, the school district's business manager, said the work is expected to take place this summer and be completed in time for the return of students in late August.

A large group of Deans Mill staff and parents had pressed town and school officials to fix the problem. Tarps now hang from leaky ceilings in the school to collect water and drain them through hoses into trash buckets.

"I think the whole school community will be thrilled with the town's action tonight," said Deans Mill Principal Doug Hammel. "It will be great to have a fully functional roof. It's what the kids deserve.